Child Soldiers #1 - Language Arts

She volunteered to fight. She has acted as a messenger. She has acted as a driver. She has given logistical support. She has killed.

I believe that the girl should go to back to school. Even though she volunteered to fight, she shouldn’t have been fighting. Now that the conflict is over the girl should be reunited with her family and sent back to school. Although I think she shouldn’t have fought in the war, she should get some type of acknowledgment for the bravery she showed and the help she brought on the country. Yes, she shouldn’t have fought in the war, but she should be known. I don’t think she should be put in jail because she was considered a soldier. She was working for the country, so her acts should not be considered bad. I also believe that she should be given support for the things she has seen.

To conclude, this girl should be sent to school and reunited with her parents. I don’t think any punishment should happen to her. She deserves an acknowledgment for her acts, and should be respected for her bravery.

Armed and Underage Child Soldiers Article

Imagining a child being sent into war to kill is something hard for me to think about. In my opinion it cruel. I find it amazing how when the recruiters try to make the issue logical they say, "The kids can be so easily brainwashed. They don't even have to be paid." Not only is that a horrible excuse to use children in war, but it shows how young these children must be when they are recruited for war. According to the article the youngest child was 9 years old. I think it is horrible for a child to go through this when the effects are not only short term, but long term as well. Children will have to remember the horrendous memories of war throughout their childhood and even when they are adults. I don't think any child should have to go through that.

Pro Con List

Victims	Perpetrators
- Didn’t have any family left	- Some agreed to go
- Had nowhere to go	- Most don’t argue
- Didn’t have a mature mind	- Didn’t try to leave
- Are brainwashed	- Killed people